The United Nations Security Council held a critical session on maritime security, bringing together global leaders and maritime experts to address the growing threats facing international shipping lanes. Chaired by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, the debate highlighted piracy, armed robbery, and new cyber risks as major concerns, with 150 piracy incidents reported in 2024 alone. Keynote speaker Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasized the indispensable role of the 1.9 million seafarers who kept 12.3 billion tonnes of goods moving last year, while warning that resilience must not lead to complacency.

The session underscored the complexity of maritime security, with INTERPOL warning of “poly-criminality at sea” and the growing exploitation of digital vulnerabilities in ports. The Panama Canal Authority’s CEO, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, shared how the canal is adapting to climate and geopolitical pressures with new technologies and governance strategies. The Council stressed that multilateralism and constructive dialogue are crucial, as maritime security is a shared responsibility that underpins global economic stability and peace.